FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State (16-3, 10-2 MEC) secured a 93-80 victory over Charleston (12-7, 8-5 MEC) at Joe Retton Arena on Wednesday night. Fairmont State capitalized on their three-point shooting, hitting 17 of 28 attempts, and maintained control through a strong second half.
Fairmont State opened the game with an early 8–0 lead, sparked by
CJ Meredith's two 3-pointers, including one assisted by
Tyheil Peterson. The team maintained their momentum, with
Rene Diop contributing key points in the paint and Fairmont leading by as much as 13–5.
Miguel Martinez further extended the lead with back-to-back 3-pointers midway through the half.
Charleston managed to close the gap with a series of successful shots, bringing the score to 40–37 with just under two minutes remaining. Ayinde Taylor II's quick scoring, including a layup following a steal, tied the game at 42–42. However, Fairmont State reclaimed the lead in the final seconds with Diop's tip-in, closing the half ahead 44–42.
Fairmont State began the second half by extending their lead with a layup by
Drey Carter, assisted by Meredith, at 19:37. The team maintained momentum with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Peterson at 17:11, which was followed by another three-pointer from Martinez, pushing the Falcons ahead.
Throughout the half, Fairmont State capitalized on turnovers, with Peterson notably securing a steal and converting a second chance opportunity. Carter's performance was pivotal, as he scored a fast-break three-pointer at 6:55, further increasing the lead.
As the half progressed, the Falcons continued to outpace the Golden Eagles, with Peterson capping the scoring with a three-pointer at 0:51. The half concluded with Fairmont State having outscored Charleston (WV) 49–38 in the second half and the claiming the home victory, 95–80,
Tyheil Peterson led the Falcons with 21 points, converting 7 of 10 field goal attempts, including four 3-pointers, and collecting three steals.
Drey Carter added 16 points, going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line and pulling down five rebounds.
Miguel Martinez contributed 18 points, successfully hitting six 3-pointers on 10 attempts and recording five rebounds.
Fairmont State ventures south on Saturday, February 7 to battle West Virginia State University. Scheduled start time is 4:00 p.m.